Study on the changing regularity of structure and properties of PC aged outdoor in western areas of China

As an important engineering material, polycarbonate (PC) has been used widely. When exposed to the environment, PC will have aging process, which will reduce its performance and efficiency. This article studies the changing regularities of PCs structure and properties of ageing in western areas of China by measuring the change of intrinsic viscosity (IV), thermal decomposition temperature, glass transition temperature, and the groups within PC. The analysis of its IV, DSC, and thermo gravimetric analysis exhibited the same changing regularity, i.e., the aged PC (in Lasa, Yuli, and Jiangjin) experienced degradation and crosslinking, while degradation occurred earlier in the process of ageing, crosslinking predominated in later period. In addition, the results of UV absorption spectra and infrared absorption spectra showed the evidence of decomposition of the ester groups, resulting in the production of alcohol and phenol. And the results of mechanical tests indicated that the ductility disappeared mainly in the first year of outdoor aging. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012